Kelsey Hickman releases her new single Novocaine

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Dead Horse Branding
Dead Horse Branding is an award-winning branding, PR, and marketing firm based in Nashville, Tennessee. Founded in 2015 by Melissa Core-Caballo and Rick Caballo, the company...
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Nashville, Tenn. — Singer-songwriter Kelsey Hickman steps boldly into a new chapter with the release of her highly anticipated single, “Novocaine.”

A magnetic performer with a powerhouse voice, Hickman blends country grit with rock ’n’ roll fire, delivering a track that hits like a rush to the bloodstream. “Novocaine” dives into the intoxicating pull of a love that feels more like an addiction—one that clouds judgment, heightens impulse, and keeps you coming back for another hit. “It’s novocaine, straight to the veins, you drive me insane, your novocaine.”

The single captures the emotional chaos of craving someone who isn’t good for you, yet feels impossible to leave. Hickman explains, “When I first heard the word novocaine… I thought, damn. If I loved the way it felt rolling off my tongue, I knew singing it would be even better. I was lucky to have Don Miggs producing—he lit this song up. A slow burn, if you will.”

Produced by Don Miggs, the track leans into a moody, atmospheric sound that amplifies Hickman’s raw vocal intensity. Her delivery is fierce and vulnerable all at once, channeling the spiraling emotions of a love that consumes you. With “Novocaine,” Hickman steps confidently into her role as a powerhouse vocalist and storyteller.

“This song is addicting to sing,” she adds. “Think about being pinned up against the wall—in a good way. Something you can’t put down. It’s a love story we love to hate.”

The result is a dark, melodic rush that lingers long after the final note. Hickman’s full-throttle performance brings the song’s emotional stakes to life, creating a sonic landscape that is both electrifying and unforgettable.


“When we first demoed ‘Novocaine,’ we tried it with a male vocal and something was missing. Kelsey came in, sang the first line—‘I know our love is a loaded gun…’—and I knew she was meant to crush this song. I’m honored to be part of her journey.”Don Miggs, producer, songwriter, and musician (Mick Fleetwood, Tower of Power)

Pre-save ‘Novocaine’: https://checked.ffm.to/novocaine

Connect with Kelsey Hickman: Website | Instagram | Facebook

About Kelsey Hickman

Illinois-born and Nashville-based, Kelsey Hickman has built a reputation as a dynamic vocalist and fearless performer. She’s a staple across Music City, including regular residencies at the iconic Tootsies Orchid Lounge. With a sweet tone and a sharp-edged soul, Hickman brings an undeniable spark to every stage she steps on.

Her musical journey began early—writing her first song at 12, starring in local musicals, and eventually becoming the lead singer of Midwest band Still Kickn’ at just 16. The band opened for major acts including Lady A, Chris Young, Montgomery Gentry, Easton Corbin, and Tracy Lawrence, performing for crowds of more than 25,000.

Hickman’s path hasn’t been without hardship. As her parents’ marriage fell apart, music became both the source of conflict and her refuge. “I lost myself in songwriting and performing,” she says. “It became my saving grace.” After Still Kickn’ disbanded in 2013, she launched her solo career with renewed purpose.

Working with producer Kent Wells (Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, Kenny Rogers), Hickman released her debut single “Gone” and her full-length album Gypsy in 2016. Wells co-wrote the single with Bill DiLuigi, a grand prize winner of American Songwriter’s lyric contest with more than 300 recorded cuts.

Today, Hickman continues to evolve her sound—melding country, rock, and blues into something uniquely her own. “I want to write and perform music that my listeners can connect with,” she says. “If I’ve done that, I’ve done what I’m here to do.”

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Dead Horse Branding is an award-winning branding, PR, and marketing firm based in Nashville, Tennessee. Founded in 2015 by Melissa Core-Caballo and Rick Caballo, the company has built a reputation for shaping brands, elevating careers, and launching artists with impact. Dead Horse Branding’s diverse portfolio includes projects like Baha Men’s “Who Let the Dogs Out,” Steven Tyler’s solo band LOVING MARY, Cyndi Lauper’s Detour album, the Bo Diddley Estate, Stone Country Records, Quartz Hill Records, Brown Sellers Brown, legendary Country Music Hall of Fame producer Tony Brown, multi-Grammy Award-winning songwriter/producer Keith Thomas (Whitney Houston, Amy Grant, Mandy Moore, Jessica Simpson), Grammy Award-winning songwriter/producer Aaron Pearce (Justin Bieber, Michael Jackson, Celine Dion), Michael Jay (over 75 million records sold worldwide; Celine Dion, Martika, Eminem, Kylie Minogue), Buck Johnson (Aerosmith, Hollywood Vampires), NBC’s The Voice Team Adam Levine artist Bay Simpson, and Robert’s Western World. Dead Horse Branding also helped launch Velvet Stone Management in 2016, contributing to the O’Connor Band’s Grammy win for Best Bluegrass Album. Additionally, Dead Horse Branding developed the DH7 Educational Program, an accredited and recognized initiative, with 25% of its curriculum certified for U.S. schools. The program partners with acclaimed entertainment attorney Joel A. Katz (Justin Timberlake, Christina Aguilera, George Jones) through his Music and Entertainment Business Program at Kennesaw State University—ranked by Billboard as a Top 5 Music Business Program in the USA, as well as Middle Tennessee State University, and Belmont University. Designed to bridge the gap between classroom education and real-world careers, the program empowers students with the skills to build and manage brands before they graduate.